Information provision method

ABSTRACT

An information provision method includes accumulating, in a first database, a first identifier identifying each of one or more service providers, and first device information indicating an electrical device to be designated by each of the one or more service providers in association with each other; accumulating, in a second database, a second identifier identifying each of one or more users, and second device information indicating an electrical device to be used by the one or more users in association with each other; extracting a service provider associated with the first device information when the second device information is updated by addition of a new electrical device to be used by one of the one or more users, and when the new electrical device is included in the electrical devices indicated by the first device information.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information provision method for usein an information providing system configured to collect log informationfrom one or more electrical devices of one or more users via a firstnetwork, and to transmit the log information to a computer of one ormore service providers via a second network.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, there is an expectation that devices such as homeappliances or AV equipment in a home are connected to a cloud server viaa cloud network, log information including operation histories of thedevices is collected in the cloud server from the devices such as homeappliances or AV equipment, and services are provided with use of thecollected log information. For instance, there is proposed a system inwhich a datacenter operating company operating a cloud server cooperateswith a service provider providing services, and the service providerutilizes log information collected by the cloud server, whereby personalservices matching with the lifestyle of the user are provided, andmarketing analysis is carried out using statistical information.

Further, for instance, Patent Literature 1 discloses the informationdisclosing server 201 configured such that when public informationrequested from the client 202 includes attachment information,confirmation information indicating that the public information attachedwith the attachment information is provided is transmitted to the client202, and when a reply indicating acceptance is obtained from the client202, the public information attached with the attachment informationrelating to e.g. copyright is provided.

The aforementioned system, however, is under consideration. Furtherimprovement is necessary to put the system into practice. For instance,log information to be collected includes personal information relatingto the privacy of the user. In particular, personal information cannotbe provided to a third party without permission of the user. User'spermission is individually necessary in order to provide personalinformation.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.H11-194999

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In view of the above, an object of the invention is to provide aninformation provision method that enables to prevent providing loginformation of a new electrical device to a service provider which isnot expected to the user.

An information provision method according to an aspect of the inventionis an information provision method for use in an information providingsystem configured to collect log information from one or more electricaldevice of one or more users via a first network, and to transmit the loginformation to a computer of one or more service providers via a secondnetwork. The information provision method includes accumulating, in afirst database, a first identifier identifying each of the one or moreservice providers, and first device information indicating an electricaldevice to be designated by each of the one or more service providers inassociation with each other; accumulating, in a second database, asecond identifier identifying each of the one or more users, and seconddevice information indicating an electrical device to be used by the oneor more users in association with each other; extracting the serviceprovider associated with the first device information when the seconddevice information is updated by addition of a new electrical device tobe used by one of the one or more users, and when the new electricaldevice is included in the electrical devices indicated by the firstdevice information; and providing, to a display terminal of the oneuser, first screen information indicating a setting screen, on which theone user is allowed to set whether log information of the new electricaldevice is transmitted to a computer of the extracted service provider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be providedby an information managing system in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example, in which a devicemanufacturer corresponds to a datacenter operating company;

FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating an example, in which both of or one ofa device manufacturer and a managing company corresponds to a datacenteroperating company;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of aninformation providing system in the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a manufacturerserver in the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data to be stored in ahistory information DB in the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home appliance historyaccess certificate in the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an access control list inthe embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a first serviceprovider server in the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a user terminal inthe embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of the overall processto be carried out by the information providing system;

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of a firstservice provider registration process in the embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of a userregistration process in the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of a homeappliance registration process in the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home applianceregistration screen to be displayed when the home appliance registrationprocess is performed in the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a provision confirmationscreen for use in asking the user whether home appliance historyinformation of a registered home appliance is to be provided to aservice provider server;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an access control list,which is set such that home appliance history information of a bodycomposition meter is not provided by the user;

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of a homeappliance transmission process in the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of a first homeappliance history access process in the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first half of an operationof a second service provider registration process in the embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second half of theoperation of the second service provider registration process in theembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an access control list,in which a new service provider is added;

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a provision confirmationscreen for use in asking the user whether home appliance historyinformation of a registered home appliance is to be provided to a newlyregistered service provider server;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of an access control list,in which setting as to whether home appliance history information isprovided with respect to a newly registered service provider ID is made;

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the provisionconfirmation screen;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a second modification of the provisionconfirmation screen;

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a third modification of the provisionconfirmation screen;

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a fourth modification of the provisionconfirmation screen;

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be providedby an information managing system of service type 1 (a cloud serviceprovided by a datacenter of the applicant's company);

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be providedby an information managing system of service type 2 (a cloud serviceutilizing IaaS);

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be providedby an information managing system of service type 3 (a cloud serviceutilizing PaaS); and

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be providedby an information managing system of service type 4 (a cloud serviceutilizing SaaS).

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following matters are taken into consideration when theaforementioned conventional system is put into practice.

For instance, when the number of devices owned by the user andconnectable to a network increases, it may be difficult for the user todiscriminate between registration and non-registration as to whether loginformation is provided with respect to each of the devices. In thiscase, it may be difficult or impossible to appropriately manage thesetting as to whether providing log information with respect to each ofthe devices. As a result, the user may inadvertently provide loginformation of a device of which providing information is not intendedto a service provider.

Further, for instance, when the number of devices owned by the user andconnectable to a network increases, it may be difficult for the user todiscriminate between registration and non-registration as to to whichone of the service providers, log information is to be provided withrespect to each of the devices. In this case, for instance, it may bedifficult or impossible to appropriately manage whether providing loginformation to a predetermined service provider is permitted. As aresult, the user may inadvertently provide log information to a serviceprovider to which providing log information is not intended.

In view of the above, the inventors have achieved the inventionaccording to the following aspects on the basis of the aforementionedfindings.

An information provision method according to an aspect of the inventionis an information provision method for use in an information providingsystem configured to collect log information from one or more electricaldevices of one or more users via a first network, and to transmit thelog information to a computer of one or more service providers via asecond network. The information provision method includes accumulating,in a first database, a first identifier identifying each of the one ormore service providers, and first device information indicating anelectrical device to be designated by each of the one or more serviceproviders in association with each other; accumulating, in a seconddatabase, a second identifier identifying each of the one or more users,and second device information indicating an electrical device to be usedby the one or more users in association with each other; extracting theservice provider associated with the first device information when thesecond device information is updated by addition of a new electricaldevice to be used by one of the one or more users, and when the newelectrical device is included in the electrical devices indicated by thefirst device information; and providing, to a display terminal of theone user, first screen information indicating a setting screen, on whichthe one user is allowed to set whether log information of the newelectrical device is transmitted to a computer of the extracted serviceprovider.

In the aforementioned aspect, when a new electrical device is added tothe information providing system, the service provider which intends toacquire log information of the new electrical device is automaticallyextracted. Then, a display screen, on which the user is allowed to setwhether log information of the new electrical device is to be providedto the computer of the extracted service provider, is provided to thedisplay terminal of the user.

According to the aforementioned configuration, each time a newelectrical device is added, the user is allowed to set the serviceprovider to which log information of the new electrical device isprovided. This makes it possible to prevent providing log information ofa new electrical device to a service provider which is not expected tothe user, without relying on the user's judgment. Further, each time anew electrical device is added, a service provider associated with thenew electrical device is selected. This makes it possible to reduce theuser's burden in setting. Further, each time a new electrical device isadded, the user is asked to judge whether log information is to beprovided. This makes it possible to prevent a case in which it isimpossible to discriminate between home appliances registered whetherlog information is to be provided and home appliances unregisteredwhether log information is to be provided due to an increase in thenumber of registered electrical devices, and in which setting as towhether providing log information is erroneously registered.

Further, in the aforementioned aspect, preferably, it may be judgedwhether a same electrical device as the new electrical device includedin the updated second device information is included in the electricaldevices indicated by the first device information, and when it is judgedthat the same electrical device as the new electrical device is includedin the electrical devices indicated by the first device information, theservice provider associated with the first device information may beextracted.

According to the aforementioned configuration, it is judged whether thesame electrical device as the new electrical device included in theupdated second device information is included in the electrical devicesindicated by the first device information. When it is judged that thesame electrical device as the new electrical device is included in theelectrical devices indicated by the first device information, a serviceprovider associated with the first device information is extracted.

This makes it possible to specify the service provider which intends toacquire log information of a new electrical device.

Further, in the aforementioned aspect, preferably, when the firstdatabase is updated by addition of a new service provider, and when anelectrical device to be designated by the new service provider isincluded in the electrical devices indicated by the second deviceinformation, a user associated with the second device information may beextracted from the one or more users, and second screen informationindicating a setting screen, on which the associated user is allowed toset whether log information of the electrical device to be designated bythe new service provider is transmitted to a computer of the new serviceprovider, may be provided to a display terminal of the associated user.

According to the aforementioned configuration, when a computer of a newservice provider is added to the information providing system, a displayscreen, on which the user is allowed to set whether log information isprovided to the new service provider with respect to an electricaldevice of which acquisition of log information is intended by the newservice provider, is provided to the display terminal of the user.

In the aforementioned configuration, each time a new service provider isadded, the user is allowed to set whether log information of anelectrical device is to be provided to the new service provider. Thismakes it possible to prevent providing log information of an electricaldevice to a new service provider which is not expected to the user,without relying on the user's judgment. Further, each time a new serviceprovider is added, an electrical device associated with the new serviceprovider is selected. This makes it possible to reduce the user's burdenin setting. Further, each time a new service provider is added, the useris allowed to judge whether log information is to be provided. Thismakes it possible to prevent a case in which it is impossible todiscriminate between home appliances registered whether log informationis to be provided and home appliances unregistered whether loginformation is to be provided due to an increase in the number ofregistered electrical devices, and in which setting as to whetherproviding log information is erroneously registered.

Further, in the aforementioned aspect, preferably, the first screeninformation may include information indicating the number of users whopermit transmitting log information of a same electrical device as thenew electrical device to the computer of the same service provider asthe extracted service provider.

According to the aforementioned configuration, it is possible to displayinformation indicating the number of users who permit transmitting loginformation of the same electrical device as the new electrical deviceto the computer of the same service provider as the extracted serviceprovider. This makes it possible to determine whether transmitting loginformation is permitted by checking the number of the other users whopermit transmitting log information. Further, the user can use thenumber of the other users who permit transmitting log information, asinformation in determining whether transmitting log information is to bepermitted.

Further, in the aforementioned aspect, preferably, when the number ofusers who permit transmitting the log information to a computer of aspecific one of the one or more service providers has reached apredetermined number among the one or more users, third screeninformation indicating a setting screen, on which a non-permitting userwho does not permit transmitting the log information of the electricaldevice to the computer of the specific service provider among the one ormore users is allowed to set whether the log information of theelectrical device is transmitted to the computer of the specific serviceprovider, is provided to a display terminal of the non-permitting user.

According to the aforementioned configuration, it is possible to providea setting screen, on which the user is allowed to set whether loginformation of an electrical device is transmitted to the computer ofthe specific service provider, to the display terminal of anon-permitting user who does not permit transmitting log information ofan electrical device to the computer of the specific service providerwhen the number of users who permit transmitting log information to thecomputer of the specific service provider has reached a predeterminednumber. This is advantageous in prompting the user to transmit loginformation.

Further, in the aforementioned aspect, preferably, the third screeninformation may include information indicating that the number of userswho permit transmitting the log information to the computer of thespecific service provider has reached the predetermined number.

According to the aforementioned configuration, the user can determinewhether the user permits transmitting log information by checking theinformation indicating that the number of users who permit transmittinglog information to the computer of the specific service provider hasreached the predetermined number.

Further, in the aforementioned aspect, preferably, the first screeninformation may indicate a setting screen, on which the one user isallowed to set whether log information of the new electrical device istransmitted to the computer of the extracted service provider withrespect to each of types of the log information.

According to the aforementioned configuration, it is possible to setwhether log information is to be transmitted to the computer of theservice provider with respect to each of the types of log information.This is advantageous in finely setting whether log information is to beprovided to a service provider.

Further, in the aforementioned aspect, preferably, the first screeninformation may include a setting screen, on which the one user isallowed to set a time period during which the log information of the newelectrical device is transmitted to the computer of the extractedservice provider.

According to the aforementioned configuration, it is possible to set thetime period during which log information is provided to the serviceprovider. This makes it possible to provide log information to theservice provider only during the time period intended by the user.

An information provision method according to another aspect of theinvention is an information provision method for use in an informationproviding system configured to collect log information from one or moreelectrical devices of one or more users via a first network, and totransmit the log information to a computer of one or more serviceproviders via a second network. The information provision methodincludes accumulating, in a first database, a first identifieridentifying each of the one or more service providers, and first deviceinformation indicating an electrical device to be designated by each ofthe one or more service providers in association with each other;accumulating, in a second database, a second identifier identifying eachof the one or more users, and second device information indicating anelectrical device to be used by the one or more users in associationwith each other; extracting a user associated with the second deviceinformation from the one or more users when the first database isupdated by addition of a new service provider, and when an electricaldevice to be designated by the new service provider is included in theelectrical devices indicated by the second device information; andproviding first screen information indicating a setting screen, on whichthe associated user is allowed to set whether log information of theelectrical device to be designated by the new service provider istransmitted to a computer of the new service provider, to a displayterminal of the associated user.

In the aforementioned aspect, when the computer of the new serviceprovider is added to the information providing system, a display screen,on which the user is allowed to set whether log information is to beprovided to the new service provider with respect to the electricaldevice of which acquisition of log information is intended by the newservice provider.

According to the aforementioned configuration, each time a new serviceprovider is added, the user is allowed to set whether log information ofan electrical device is to be provided to the new service provider. Thismakes it possible to prevent providing log information of an electricaldevice to a new service provider which is not expected to the user,without relying on the user's judgment. Further, each time a new serviceprovider is added, an electrical device associated with the new serviceprovider is selected. This makes it possible to reduce the user's burdenin setting. Further, each time a new service provider is added, the useris asked to judge whether log information is to be provided. This makesit possible to prevent a case in which it is impossible to discriminatebetween home appliances registered whether log information is to beprovided and home appliances unregistered whether log information is tobe provided due to an increase in the number of registered electricaldevices, and in which setting as to whether providing log information iserroneously registered.

(Overview of Services to be Provided)

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be providedby the information providing system in the embodiment. The informationproviding system is provided with a group 1000, a datacenter operatingcompany 1100, and a service provider 1200.

The group 1000 is, for instance, a company, a party, or a home. Thescale of the group 1000 does not matter. The group 1000 is provided witha number of devices 101 including a device A and a device B, and a homegateway 1020. The devices 1010 include devices (e.g. a smartphone, apersonal computer (PC) or a TV receiver) connectable to the Internet,and devices (e.g. an illumination device, a washing machine, or arefrigerator) incapable of being connected to the Internet bythemselves. The devices 1010 may include devices which are notconnectable to the Internet by themselves, but are connectable to theInternet via the home gateway 1020. Further, users 1 use the devices1010 within the group 1000.

The datacenter operating company 1100 is provided with a cloud server1110. The cloud server 1110 is a virtual server connectable to a varietyof devices via the Internet. The cloud server 1110 mainly manages bigdata, which is difficult to be handled by an ordinary databasemanagement tool or a like tool. The datacenter operating company 1100manages data, manages the cloud server 1110, and operates a datacenterwhich performs these services. The details of the services to beprovided by the datacenter operating company 1100 will be describedlater.

The datacenter operating company 1100 is not limited to a company whichmanages data or operates the cloud server 1110. For instance, asillustrated in FIG. 1B, in the case where a device manufacturer whichdevelops and manufactures one of the devices 1010 manages data ormanages the cloud server 111, the device manufacturer corresponds to thedatacenter operating company 1100. Further, the number of datacenteroperating companies 1100 is not limited to one. For instance, asillustrated in FIG. 1C, when a device manufacturer and another managingcompany jointly or sharingly manage data or operates the cloud server1110, both or one of the device manufacturer and the managing companycorresponds to the datacenter operating company 1100.

The service provider 1200 is provided with a server 1210. The scale ofthe server 1210 does not matter. For instance, the server 1210 includesa memory in a PC for personal use. Further, the service provider 1200may not be provided with the server 1210.

In the aforementioned services, the home gateway 1020 is not anessential element. For instance, when the cloud server 1110 manages allthe data, the home gateway 1020 is not necessary. Further, when all thedevices in a home are connected to the Internet, a device incapable ofbeing connected to the Internet by itself may not exist.

Next, a flow of information in the services is described.

The device A or the device B in the group 1000 individually transmitslog information thereof to the cloud server 1110 in the datacenteroperating company 1100. The cloud server 1110 accumulates the loginformation of the device A or of the device B (see the arrow 131 inFIG. 1A). The log information is information indicating e.g. operationconditions or operation dates and times of the devices 1010. Forinstance, the log information includes a viewing history of TV, videorecording reservation information in a recorder, a date and time when awashing machine is operated, a quantity of laundry, a date and time whena refrigerator is opened and closed, or the number of times of openingand closing a refrigerator. The log information is not limited to theseinformation, and may include a variety of types of informationacquirable from a variety of types of devices. The log information maybe directly provided from the devices 1010 themselves to the cloudserver 1110 via the Internet. Further, the log information may betemporarily accumulated in the home gateway 1020 from the devices 1010,and may be provided from the home gateway 1020 to the cloud server 1110.

Next, the cloud server 1110 in the datacenter operating company 1100provides the accumulated log information to the service provider 1200unit by unit. The unit may be the amount of information, by which thedatacenter operating company 1100 can organize and provide theaccumulated information to the service provider 1200, or may be theamount of information required from the service provider 1200. In theembodiment, information is provided unit by unit. Alternatively,information may not be provided unit by unit, and the amount ofinformation to be provided may vary depending on a condition. The loginformation is stored in the server 1210 owned by the service provider1200, as necessary (see the arrow 132 in FIG. 1A).

The service provider 1200 organizes the log information into informationappropriate for the service to be provided to the user, and provides theorganized information to the user. The user to whom information isprovided may be a user 1 who uses the devices 1010, or may be a user 2on the outside. The information provision method to the users 1 and 2may be such that information is directly provided to the users 1 and 2from the service provider 1200 (see the arrows 133 and 134 in FIG. 1A).Further, the information provision method to the user 1 may be such thatinformation is provided to the user 1 via the cloud server 1110 in thedatacenter operating company 1100 (see the arrows 135 and 136 in FIG.1A). Further, the cloud server 1110 in the datacenter operating company1100 may organize the log information into information appropriate forthe service to be provided to the user, and may provide the organizedinformation to the service provider 1200.

The user 1 may be identical to or different from the user 2.

In the following, the information providing system in the embodiment ofthe invention is described referring to the drawings.

The embodiment described in the following section is a preferredexemplary embodiment. In other words, the numerical values, the shapes,the materials, the constituent elements, the disposition of theconstituent elements, the connecting manners of the constituentelements, the steps, and the order of the steps are merely an example ofthe invention, and do not limit the gist of the invention. The inventionis specified on the basis of the claims as defined herein. Therefore,although the constituent elements that are not described in theindependent claims defining the broadest scope of the invention amongthe constituent elements in the embodiment may not be necessarilyrequired in order to solve the problems of the invention, they aredescribed as the constituent elements constituting a preferredembodiment.

1. Configuration of Information Providing System

In this section, the information providing system in the embodiment ofthe invention is described referring to the drawings.

1.1 Overall Configuration of Information Providing System 10

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of aninformation providing system 10 in the embodiment of the invention. Theinformation providing system 10 is provided with a manufacturer server100, a first service provider server 200 a, a second service providerserver 200 b, a third service provider server 200 c, home appliances300, and a user terminal 400.

The home appliances 300 are e.g. a TV receiver, a body compositionmeter, or an activity meter. The home appliances 300 are home appliancesof which home appliance history information is collected by theinformation providing system 10.

The home appliances 300 may be e.g. an air conditioner, AV equipmentsuch as a TV receiver, a washing machine, an illumination device, anelectronic shutter, or an interphone. Further, the home appliances 300may be any electrical devices to be used in a home including housingequipment, sensors for measuring and detecting the dwelling environment,and electrical vehicles. The home appliances 300 may be any electricaldevices as far as the devices are capable of collecting log information.

The user terminal 400 is e.g. a personal computer, a mobile phone, or amobile terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

The manufacturer server 100 is communicatively connected to the homeappliances 300 via a first network 501. Further, the manufacturer server100 is communicatively connected to each of the first service providerserver 200 a, the second service provider server 200 b, and the thirdservice provider server 200 c via a second network 502. Further, themanufacturer server 100 is communicatively connected to the userterminal 400 via a third network 503. The first network 501, the secondnetwork 502, and the third network 503 may all be the same, or may allbe different from each other. Further alternatively, at least two of thefirst network 501, the second network 502, and the third network 503 maybe the same.

The first network 501, the second network 502, and the third network 503may be constituted by e.g. the Internet, a mobile phone communicationnetwork, or an LAN (Local Area Network).

The information providing system 10 collects log information from one ormore home appliances 300 of one or more users via the first network 501,and transmits the log information to a computer (the first serviceprovider server 200 a, the second service provider server 200 b, or thethird service provider server 200 c) of one or more service providersvia the second network 502.

In the embodiment, the first service provider server 200 a, the secondservice provider server 200 b, and the third service provider server 200c may also be generically called as a service provider server 200.

1.2 Configuration of Manufacturer Server 100

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the manufacturerserver 100 in the embodiment of the invention. The manufacturer server100 is provided with a control unit 101, a history information DB(database) 102, a certificate generation unit 103, a certificateverification unit 104, and a communication unit 105.

The control unit 101 controls the history information DB 102 with use ofan access control list, and manages user information or home appliancehistory information. The access control list will be described later. Inresponse to receiving a request to provide home appliance historyinformation from a service provider server, the control unit 101transmits, to the certificate verification unit 104, a request to verifya public key certificate (not illustrated) of a service providerreceived from the service provider server. In response to receiving anotification that verification was successful from the certificateverification unit 104, the control unit 101 judges whether homeappliance history information is to be provided to the service providerserver. When it is judged that home appliance history information is tobe provided, the control unit 101 judges which one of the home appliancehistory information is to be provided to the service provider server.The control unit 101 requests the certificate generation unit 103 toissue a home appliance history access certificate. In response toreceiving the home appliance history access certificate issued by thecertificate generation unit 103, the control unit 101 transmits the homeappliance history access certificate to the service provider server viathe communication unit 105. An information provision method forproviding home appliance history information from the historyinformation DB 102 with use of an access control list will be describedlater.

The history information DB 102 stores user IDs for identifying the usersand home appliance history information.

The home appliance history information is information indicating anoperation history of home appliances 300 by the user (e.g. a history ofoperating the TV channels), and a user information history to bemeasured or detected by use of the home appliances 300 by the user (e.g.a history of the user's body weight to be measured with use of a bodycomposition meter by the user).

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data to be stored in thehistory information DB in the embodiment of the invention. The historyinformation DB 102 stores home appliance types indicating the types ofhome appliances 300 owned by the user to be identified by the user ID,and home appliance history information of the home appliances 300represented by the home appliance types in association with each other,with respect to each of the user IDs. In the embodiment, the homeappliance types are the names of the home appliances. Alternatively, thehome appliance types may be serial numbers or model numbers of the homeappliances, or may be combinations of serial numbers and model numbers.

FIG. 4 illustrates that the user whose user ID is “ID11” registers abody composition meter and a TV receiver as home appliances in theinformation providing system 10, and that home appliance historyinformation of each of the home appliances is stored in the historyinformation DB 102. Further, the history information DB 102 stores, ashome appliance history information of the body composition meter,information describing “2012.1.1, BODY WEIGHT: 55 KG, BODY FATPERCENTAGE: 18%”, and “2012.1.3, BODY WEIGHT: 56 KG, BODY FATPERCENTAGE: 19%”. This means that when the user measured her bodycomposition on Jan. 1, 2012, the body weight was 55 kg, and the body fatpercentage was 18%; and when the user measured her body composition onJan. 3, 2012, the body weight was 56 kg, and the body fat percentage was19%. Likewise, the history information DB 102 stores, as home appliancehistory information of the TV receiver, a viewing history of TV programswhich the user watched on TV i.e. “2012.1.1, 18:00 DRAMA, 20:00 NEWS”and “2012.1.3, 10:00 ANIMATION, 13:00 DRAMA”.

Further, the user whose user ID is “ID12” registers a body compositionmeter as a home appliance in the information providing system 10. Thehistory information DB 102 stores home appliance history information“2011.12.30, BODY WEIGHT: 80 KG, BODY FAT PERCENTAGE: 22%” and“2012.1.3, BODY WEIGHT: 82 KG, BODY FAT PERCENTAGE: 22%”.

These home appliance history information is information to beperiodically or non-periodically uploaded from the home appliances thatare registered in advance in the information providing system 10 by theusers to the manufacturer server 100. The home appliance historyinformation is an example of log information.

In response to receiving a request to issue a home appliance historyaccess certificate from the control unit 101, the certificate generationunit 103 generates a home appliance history access certificate.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home appliance historyaccess certificate in the embodiment of the invention. The homeappliance history access certificate is a certificate such that a homeappliance manufacturer electronically signs with use of a signaturegeneration key (not illustrated) of the home appliance manufacturer withrespect to a service provider ID and with respect to a service providerpublic key. The service provider ID is an identifier for identifying theservice provider server. The service provider public key is a public keyto be issued by the service provider server. The service provider servercan acquire home appliance history information accessible by the serviceprovider server by presenting the home appliance history accesscertificate to the manufacturer server. Further, the certificategeneration unit 103 may include the type of a home appliance to beprovided to the service provider server or information to be provided inthe home appliance history access certificate.

In response to receiving a public key certificate issued by the serviceprovider server from the control unit 101, the certificate verificationunit 104 verifies the received public key certificate. Further, inresponse to receiving a home appliance history access certificate issuedby the service provider server from the control unit 101, thecertificate verification unit 104 verifies the received home appliancehistory access certificate with use of a signature verification key (notillustrated) of the home appliance manufacturer. The certificateverification unit 104 notifies the verification result to the controlunit 101.

The communication unit 105 communicates with the service providerserver, the home appliances 300, and the user terminal 400.Communication between the service provider server and the user terminal400 is carried out by SSL (Secure Socket Layer) communication. Thecommunication unit 105 stores certificates necessary for SSLcommunication.

1.2.1 Method for Providing Home Appliance History with use of AccessControl List

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the access control listin the embodiment of the invention. The access control list indicatesuser information providing acceptance/non-acceptance such that fromwhich one of the home appliances, home appliance history information isacquired, and of which one of the user IDs, providing home appliancehistory information is permitted for each of the home appliances withrespect to each of the service provider IDs. In the access control list,the service provider ID for identifying the service provider, the typeof a home appliance of which home appliance history information isprovidable to the service provider, and the user ID of the user who doesnot provide home appliance history information to the service providerare associated with each other. In FIG. 6, regarding the fitness serviceA whose service provider ID is “SID_a”, it is possible to acquire homeappliance history information from the body composition meter, the TVreceiver, and the blood pressure meter, and there is no user who setssuch that home appliance history information of the body compositionmeter is not provided. In FIG. 6, none of the users sets whether homeappliance history information of the body composition meter is providedto the service provider A.

For instance, when the user whose user ID is “ID11” does not providehome appliance history information of the body composition meter to thefitness service A, the user ID “ID11” is recorded in the column ofun-providable user ID in the access control list. This means that homeappliance history information of the body composition meter of the userwhose user ID is “ID11” is not provided.

The control unit 101 accumulates, in the access control list (firstdatabase), the service provider ID (first identifier) identifying eachof one or more service providers, and a home appliance type (firstdevice information) indicating a home appliance to be designated by eachof the one or more service providers in association with each other.

The control unit 101 accumulates, in the history information DB 102(second database), the user ID (second identifier) identifying each ofone or more users, and a home appliance type (second device information)indicating a home appliance to be used by the one or more users inassociation with each other.

When the second device information is updated by addition of a new homeappliance to be used by one of the one or more users, and the new homeappliance is included in the home appliances indicated by the firstdevice information, the control unit 101 extracts a service providerassociated with the first device information. Then, the control unit 101provides, to the user terminal 400 (display terminal) of the one user,first screen information indicating a setting screen, on which the useris allowed to set whether log information of the new home appliance isto be transmitted to the computer of the extracted service provider.

Further, the control unit 101 judges whether the same electrical deviceas the new electrical device included in the updated second deviceinformation is included in the electrical devices indicated by the firstdevice information. When it is judged that the same electrical device asthe new electrical device is included in the electrical devicesindicated by the first device information, the control unit 101 extractsa service provider associated with the first device information.

Further, when the first database is updated by addition of a new serviceprovider, and a home appliance to be designated by the new serviceprovider is included in the home appliances indicated by the seconddevice information, the control unit 101 extracts a user associated withthe second device information from the one or more users. Then, thecontrol unit 101 provides, to the user terminal 400 (display terminal)of the associated user, second screen information indicating a settingscreen, on which the user is allowed to set whether log information ofthe home appliance to be designated by the new service provider istransmitted to the computer of the new service provider.

1.3 Configuration of Service Provider Server 200 a

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the first serviceprovider server 200 a in the embodiment of the invention. Theconfigurations of the second service provider server 200 b and the thirdservice provider server 200 c are the same as the configuration of thefirst service provider server 200 a. Therefore, in this section, onlythe configuration of the first service provider server 200 a isdescribed. The first service provider server 200 a is provided with acontrol unit 201, a history information management unit 202, amanufacturer server access unit 203, a certificate storage unit 204, anda communication unit 205.

The control unit 201 controls the history information management unit202, and manages home appliance history information acquired from themanufacturer server 100.

The history information management unit 202 stores the home appliancehistory information acquired from the manufacturer server 100.

The manufacturer server access unit 203 accesses to the manufacturerserver 100 via the communication unit 205. The manufacturer serveraccess unit 203 accesses to the manufacturer server 100, and submits ahome appliance history acquisition request to acquire home appliancehistory information. When providing home appliance history informationis permitted in response to the home appliance history acquisitionrequest, the manufacturer server access unit 203 receives a homeappliance history access certificate from the manufacturer server 100,and manages the received home appliance history access certificate bythe certificate storage unit 204.

The certificate storage unit 204 stores the home appliance historyaccess certificate issued from the manufacturer server 100. Thecommunication unit 205 communicates with the manufacturer server 100.

1.4 Configuration of User Terminal 400

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the user terminal400 in the embodiment of the invention. The user terminal 400 isprovided with a user information registration unit 401, an accesscontrol list access unit 402, a user ID storage unit 403, an input unit404, a display unit 405, and a communication unit 406.

The user information registration unit 401 controls a user informationregistration process of registering user information and a homeappliance registration process of registering a home appliance, whichare carried out with respect to the manufacturer server 100. The userinformation registration unit 401 transmits a user ID and a password tothe manufacturer server 100 when the user terminal 400 accesses to themanufacturer server 100.

The access control list access unit 402 accesses to the manufacturerserver 100, and requests the manufacturer server 100 to register orupdate whether home appliance history information is to be provided withrespect to the access control list.

The user ID storage unit 403 stores the user ID. The input unit 404accepts input from the user. The display unit 405 displays a screen tobe presented to the user. The communication unit 406 performscommunication with the manufacturer server 100. SSL communication isused as communication between the user terminal 400 and the manufacturerserver 100. The communication unit 406 stores a certificate necessaryfor SSL communication.

1.5 Operations of Information Providing System 10

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of the overall processto be carried out by the information providing system. The operations ofthe information providing system 10 include (1) a first service providerregistration process S1 of registering access permission from theservice provider server 200 to the manufacturer server 100 with respectto the history information DB before the user registers a home appliance300; a user registration process S2 of registering user information inthe manufacturer server 100 with use of the user terminal 400 by theuser; (3) a home appliance registration process S3 of registering thehome appliance 300 in the manufacturer server 100 through the userterminal 400; (4) a home appliance history transmission process S4 ofuploading home appliance history information from the user's homeappliance 300 to the history information DB in the manufacturer server100; (5) a first home appliance history access process S5 of acquiringhome appliance history information to be managed in the manufacturerserver 100 by the service provider server 200; (6) a second serviceprovider registration process S6 of newly registering access permissionfrom a new service provider server 200 to the manufacturer server 100with respect to the history information DB after the user registers thehome appliance 300; and (7) a second home appliance history accessprocess S7 of acquiring home appliance history information to be managedin the manufacturer server 100 by the newly registered service providerserver 200.

The second home appliance history access process S7 is the same as thefirst home appliance history access process S5, and therefore,description about the second home appliance history process S7 isomitted herein.

In the following, each of the operations to be performed by theinformation providing system is described using the drawings.

1.5.1 Operation of First Service Provider Registration Process

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the firstservice provider registration process in the embodiment of theinvention.

First of all, the communication unit 205 of the first service providerserver 200 a performs SSL authentication with respect to themanufacturer server 100, establishes SSL communication, and establishesan encrypted communication path (Step S11).

Subsequently, the manufacturer server access unit 203 of the firstservice provider server 200 a transmits, to the manufacturer server 100,a home appliance history information providing request requesting themanufacturer server 100 to provide intended home appliance historyinformation together with a public key certificate of the first serviceprovider server 200 a (Step S12). The communication unit 105 of themanufacturer server 100 receives the home appliance history informationproviding request transmitted by the first service provider server 200a.

The manufacturer server access unit 203 stores in advance a serviceprovider ID for identifying the first service provider, the type of ahome appliance of which home appliance history information is acquired,and home appliance history information to be acquired by the firstservice provider server 200 a. The manufacturer server access unit 203transmits a home appliance history information providing requestincluding the service provider ID, the type of a home appliance, and thehome appliance history information to be acquired. Further, themanufacturer server access unit 203 stores in advance the public keycertificate of the first service provider server 200 a.

Subsequently, the certificate verification unit 104 of the manufacturerserver 100 verifies the public key certificate of the first serviceprovider server 200 a, and the control unit 101 judges whether the homeappliance history information requested by the first service provider isprovided (Step S13). When it is judged that the home appliance historyinformation is not provided (NO in Step S13), the process is terminated.

On the other hand, when it is judged that the home appliance historyinformation is provided (YES in Step S13), the control unit 101 of themanufacturer server 100 registers, in the access control list, theservice provider ID of the first service provider A and the type of thehome appliance of which home appliance history information is provided(Step S14). For instance, in FIG. 6, the control unit 101 registers, inthe access control list, “SID_a”, which is the service provider ID ofthe first service provider A, and the type of the home appliance ofwhich home appliance history information is provided.

Subsequently, the certificate generation unit 103 issues a homeappliance history access certificate to the first service providerserver 200 a in which the service provider ID and the home appliancetype are registered (Step S15).

Subsequently, the communication unit 105 of the manufacturer server 100transmits the home appliance history access certificate generated by thecertificate generation unit 103 to the first service provider server 200a (Step S16). The communication unit 205 of the first service providerserver 200 a receives the home appliance history access certificatetransmitted by the manufacturer server 100.

Subsequently, the manufacturer server access unit 203 of the firstservice provider server 200 a stores the received home appliance historyaccess certificate in the certificate storage unit 204 (Step S17).

1.5.2 Operation of User Registration Process

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the userregistration process in the embodiment of the invention.

First of all, the communication unit 406 of the user terminal 400performs SSL authentication with respect to the manufacturer server 100,establishes SSL communication, and establishes an encryptedcommunication path (Step S21). In this section, SSL authentication andan encrypted communication path are not described in details.

Subsequently, the display unit 405 of the user terminal 400 displays auser input screen on which user's input of the user ID is accepted (StepS22).

Subsequently, the input unit 404 accepts the user's input of the user ID(Step S23).

Subsequently, the communication unit 406 transmits the user ID inputthrough the input unit 404 to the manufacturer server 100 (Step S24).The communication unit 105 of the manufacturer server 100 receives theuser ID transmitted by the user terminal 400.

Subsequently, the control unit 101 of the manufacturer server 100 judgeswhether the received user ID is already registered (Step S25). Thecontrol unit 101 stores in advance in a user information DB (notillustrated), a user ID, a password, and user personal information suchas the name, the address, and the electronic mail address of the user,as user information. The control unit 101 judges whether the receiveduser ID is already registered, referring to the user information DB.When it is judged that the user ID is already registered (YES in StepS25), the control unit 101 notifies the user terminal 400 that the userID is already registered, and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, when it is judged that the user ID is not registered(NO in Step S25), the control unit 101 transmits, to the user terminal400, a new registration screen for use in newly registering userinformation (Step S26). The communication unit 406 of the user terminal400 receives the new registration screen transmitted by the manufacturerserver 100.

Subsequently, the display unit 405 of the user terminal 400 displays thenew registration screen for use in allowing the user to newly registeruser information (Step S27).

Subsequently, the input unit 404 accepts user's input of the passwordand the user personal information (Step S28). The user inputs thepassword and the user personal information in accordance with apredetermined format via the user terminal 400.

Subsequently, the communication unit 406 transmits the password inputthrough the input unit 404 to the manufacturer server 100 (Step S29).The communication unit 105 of the manufacturer server 100 receives thepassword transmitted by the user terminal 400.

Subsequently, the control unit 101 of the manufacturer server 100registers the received password in the user information DB inassociation with the user ID (Step S30).

Subsequently, the communication unit 406 of the user terminal 400transmits the user personal information input through the input unit 404to the manufacturer server 100 (Step S31). The communication unit 105 ofthe manufacturer server 100 receives the user personal informationtransmitted by the user terminal 400.

Subsequently, the control unit 101 of the manufacturer server 100 storesthe received user personal information in the user information DB inassociation with the user ID (Step S32). The user ID, the password, andthe user personal information are stored in the manufacturer server 100as user information.

1.5.3 Operation of Home Appliance Registration Process

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the homeappliance registration process in the embodiment of the invention.

First of all, the communication unit 406 of the user terminal 400performs SSL authentication with respect to the manufacturer server 100,establishes SSL communication, and establishes an encryptedcommunication path (Step S41).

Subsequently, the display unit 405 of the user terminal 400 displays auser input screen for use in accepting user's input of the user ID andthe password (Step S42).

Subsequently, the input unit 404 accepts the user's input of the user IDand the password (Step S43). The user inputs the user ID and thepassword registered in the user registration process.

Subsequently, the communication unit 406 transmits the user ID and thepassword input through the input unit 404 to the manufacturer server 100(Step S44). The communication unit 105 of the manufacturer server 100receives the user ID and the password transmitted by the user terminal400.

Subsequently, the control unit 101 of the manufacturer server 100performs user authentication with use of the received user ID and thereceived password, and judges whether user authentication was successful(Step S45). The control unit 101 reads out the password associated withthe received user ID from the user information DB, and compares betweenthe readout password and the received password. When the passwords matcheach other, the control unit 101 judges that user authentication wassuccessful, and when the passwords do not match each other, the controlunit 101 judges that user authentication has failed. When it is judgedthat user authentication has failed (NO in Step S45), the control unit101 notifies the user terminal 400 that user authentication has failed,and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, when it is judged that user authentication wassuccessful (YES in Step S45), the communication unit 105 notifies theuser terminal 400 that user authentication was successful (Step S46).The communication unit 406 of the user terminal 400 receives anotification that user authentication transmitted by the manufacturerserver 100 was successful.

Subsequently, the display unit 405 of the user terminal 400 displays ahome appliance registration menu screen for use in allowing the user tonewly register a home appliance (Step S47).

Subsequently, the input unit 404 accepts user's selection of a homeappliance on the home appliance registration menu screen (Step S48).

Subsequently, the display unit 405 displays the home applianceregistration screen for use in allowing the user to input a homeappliance ID (Step S49).

Subsequently, the input unit 404 accepts user's input of a homeappliance ID on the home appliance registration screen (Step S50). Theuser is allowed to input a home appliance ID to be registered to theuser terminal 400 on the home appliance registration screen.

Subsequently, the communication unit 406 transmits the home appliance IDinput through the input unit 404 to the manufacturer server 100 (StepS51). The communication unit 406 transmits the user ID together with thehome appliance ID. The communication unit 105 of the manufacturer server100 receives the home appliance ID transmitted by the user terminal 400.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home applianceregistration screen to be displayed when the home appliance registrationprocess is performed in the embodiment of the invention. The homeappliance ID is an ID for identifying the home appliance. The homeappliance ID may be printed on a housing of a home appliance or on aprinted matter to be enclosed together with a home appliance. In thiscase, the user inputs the printed home appliance ID with use of theinput unit 404. Further, the user terminal 400 may acquire the homeappliance ID from the home appliance 300. For instance, the userterminal 400 may communicate with the home appliance 300, acquire thehome appliance ID from the home appliance 300, and transmit the acquiredhome appliance ID to the manufacturer server 100.

Subsequently, the control unit 101 of the manufacturer server 100specifies the home appliance type from the home appliance ID receivedfrom the user terminal 400, and registers the specified home appliancetype in the history information DB 102 in association with the user ID(Step S52). In the history information DB 102 illustrated in FIG. 4, theuser whose user ID is “ID13” registers a body composition meter as thehome appliance in the information providing system 10. The control unit101 stores in advance a table in which home appliance IDs and homeappliance types are associated with each other. The control unit 101specifies the home appliance type from the home appliance ID byreferring to the table.

Subsequently, the control unit 101 of the manufacturer server 100extracts a service provider ID associated with the newly registered homeappliance type from the access control list (Step S53).

Subsequently, the control unit 101 generates a provision confirmationscreen for use in asking the user whether home appliance historyinformation is to be provided to the service provider server which isassociated with the extracted service provider ID (Step S54).

Subsequently, the communication unit 105 transmits the provisionconfirmation screen generated by the control unit 101 to the userterminal 400 (Step S55). The communication unit 406 of the user terminal400 receives the provision confirmation screen transmitted by themanufacturer server 100.

Subsequently, the display unit 405 of the user terminal 400 displays thereceived provision confirmation screen (Step S56).

Subsequently, the input unit 404 accepts user's input as to whether homeappliance history information is provided to the service provider server(Step S57).

Subsequently, the communication unit 406 transmits, to the manufacturerserver 100, an input result indicating whether the home appliancehistory information input through the input unit 404 is provided to theservice provider server (Step S58). The communication unit 105 of themanufacturer server 100 receives the input result transmitted by theuser terminal 400.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a provision confirmationscreen for use in asking the user whether home appliance historyinformation of the registered home appliance 300 is to be provided tothe service provider server. Setting as to whether home appliancehistory information is provided to the service provider server isdescribed using the example of FIG. 14.

The control unit 101 of the manufacturer server 100 retrieves a serviceprovider ID by which home appliance history information of a bodycomposition meter registered in the access control list is provided whenthe body composition meter is registered by the user terminal 400. Inthe example of FIG. 6, the service provider which provides homeappliance history information of a body composition meter is the serviceprovider (fitness service A) whose service provider ID is “SID_a”, andthe service provider (diet service B) whose service provider ID is“SID_b”.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the control unit 101 of the manufacturerserver 100 generates a provision confirmation screen including a serviceprovider associated with an extracted service provider ID, a homeappliance registered by the user, home appliance history information tobe provided from the registered home appliance to the service provider,and checkboxes with which the user is allowed to select whether homeappliance history information is to be provided. The control unit 101displays the generated provision confirmation screen on the userterminal 400. The user is allowed to select whether home appliancehistory information is to be provided with respect to each of theservice providers, and to input the selection result through the inputunit 404. The input result is transmitted from the user terminal 400 tothe manufacturer server 100.

Subsequently, the control unit 101 of the manufacturer server 100registers the user ID of the user who does not provide home appliancehistory information in the access control list on the basis of an inputresult as to whether home appliance history information selected by theuser is provided to the service provider (Step S59). When the homeappliance history information is not provided to the service provider,the control unit 101 registers the user ID in the access control list.On the other hand, when the home appliance history information isprovided to the service provider, the control unit 101 does not registerthe user ID in the access control list. As described above, the controlunit 101 can discriminate whether user's home appliance historyinformation is to be provided by managing the user ID of the user whodoes not provide home appliance history information by the accesscontrol list.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an access control list,which is set such that home appliance history information of a bodycomposition meter is not provided by the user. In Step S57, when theuser whose user ID is “ID13” does not provide home appliance historyinformation of a body composition meter to the fitness service A, andprovides the home appliance history information of the body compositionmeter to the diet service B, the access control list is set such that“ID13” is registered as the unprovidable user ID associated with thebody composition meter identified by “SID_a”, and that “ID13” is notregistered as the unprovidable user ID associated with the bodycomposition meter identified by “SID_b”.

In the embodiment, the access control list is configured such that theuser ID of the user who does not provide home appliance historyinformation is stored in association with the home appliance type. Theinvention is not specifically limited to the above. The user ID of theuser who provides home appliance history information may be stored inassociation with the home appliance type.

1.5.4 Operation of Home Appliance History Transmission Process

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the homeappliance history transmission process in the embodiment of theinvention. Home appliance history information is periodically ornon-periodically uploaded from a home appliance 300 to the manufacturerserver 100.

First of all, the home appliance 300 uploads accumulated home appliancehistory information to the manufacturer server 100 together with thehome appliance ID (Step S71). The communication unit 105 of themanufacturer server 100 receives the home appliance history informationand the home appliance ID transmitted by the home appliance 300.

Subsequently, the control unit 101 of the manufacturer server 100specifies the user ID and the home appliance type associated with thereceived home appliance ID, retrieves the same user ID and the same homeappliance type as the specified user ID and the specified home appliancetype from the history information DB 102, and adds the received homeappliance history information to the home appliance history informationassociated with the retrieved user ID and the retrieved home appliancetype (Step S72).

1.5.5 Operation of First Home Appliance History Access Process

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the firsthome appliance history access process in the embodiment of theinvention.

First of all, the communication unit 205 of the first service providerserver 200 a performs SSL authentication with respect to themanufacturer server 100, establishes SSL communication, and establishesan encrypted communication path (Step S81).

Subsequently, the manufacturer server access unit 203 of the firstservice provider server 200 a reads out a home appliance history accesscertificate from the certificate storage unit 204, and transmits thereadout home appliance history access certificate to the manufacturerserver 100 (Step S82). The communication unit 105 of the manufacturerserver 100 receives the home appliance history access certificatetransmitted by the first service provider server 200 a.

Subsequently, the certificate verification unit 104 of the manufacturerserver 100 verifies the received home appliance history accesscertificate (Step S83).

Subsequently, the control unit 101 judges whether verification of thehome appliance history access certificate by the certificateverification unit 104 was successful (Step S84). When it is judged thatverification of the home appliance history access certificate has failed(NO in Step S84), the process is terminated.

On the other hand, when it is judged that verification of the homeappliance history access certificate was successful (YES in Step S84),the communication unit 105 notifies the first service provider server200 a that verification of the home appliance history access certificatewas successful (Step S85). The communication unit 205 of the firstservice provider server 200 a receives a notification that verificationof the home appliance history access certificate transmitted by themanufacturer server 100 was successful.

Subsequently, the control unit 201 of the first service provider server200 a selects home appliance history information to be acquired, andtransmits, to the manufacturer server 100, a home appliance historyinformation acquisition request indicating a request to acquire theselected home appliance history information (Step S86). Thecommunication unit 105 of the manufacturer server 100 receives the homeappliance history information acquisition request transmitted by thefirst service provider server 200 a.

Subsequently, the control unit 101 of the manufacturer server 100specifies the home appliance history information to be provided to thefirst service provider server 200 a, referring to the access controllist, and acquires the specified home appliance history information fromthe history information DB 102 (Step S87).

When the aforementioned operation is performed, the control unit 101selects the home appliance history information to be provided to thefirst service provider server 200 a as follows, with use of the accesscontrol list. The control unit 101 acquires, from the historyinformation DB 102, home appliance history information associated withthe home appliance type having the user ID other than the unprovidableuser ID, from the home appliance types of which home appliance historyinformation is provided to the first service provider server 200 a.

Subsequently, the communication unit 105 transmits the acquired homeappliance history information to the first service provider server 200 a(Step S88). The communication unit 205 of the first service providerserver 200 a receives the home appliance history information transmittedby the manufacturer server 100.

Alternatively, the first service provider server 200 a may acquire homeappliance history information that is provided from the home applianceafter the point of time when it is set such that home appliance historyinformation is provided by the user. Further alternatively, the firstservice provider server 200 a may acquire not only home appliancehistory information that is provided after the point of time when it isset such that home appliance history information is provided by theuser, but also home appliance history information that is providedbefore the point of time when it is set such that home appliance historyinformation is provided by the user.

1.5.6 Operation of Second Service Provider Registration Process

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are sequence diagrams illustrating an operation ofthe second service provider registration process in the embodiment ofthe invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an accesscontrol list, in which a new service provider is added.

The processes from Step S101 to Step S107 of the second service providerregistration process illustrated in FIG. 18 are the same as theprocesses from Step S11 to Step S17 of the first service providerregistration process illustrated in FIG. 10, and therefore, descriptionof the processes from Step S101 to Step S107 is omitted herein.

The control unit 101 of the manufacturer server 100 extracts a homeappliance type associated with a newly registered service provider IDfrom the access control list (Step S108).

Subsequently, the control unit 101 retrieves the user ID having theextracted home appliance type from the history information DB, andjudges whether there is the user ID having the extracted home appliancetype (Step S109).

In the access control list illustrated in FIG. 20, a service provider(insurance service C) whose service provider ID is “SID_c” is newlyregistered, and the newly registered service provider is associated witha body composition meter and with a blood pressure meter as the homeappliance types of which home appliance history information is acquired.In this case, the control unit 101 extracts, from the access controllist, a body composition meter and a blood pressure meter associatedwith the newly registered service provider ID (SID_c). Then, the controlunit 101 retrieves the user ID associated with the extracted bodycomposition meter and the extracted blood pressure meter from thehistory information DB 102, and judges whether there is the user IDassociated with the extracted body composition meter and the extractedblood pressure meter.

When it is judged that there is no user ID having the extracted homeappliance type (NO in Step S109), the process is terminated.

On the other hand, when it is judged that there is the user ID havingthe extracted home appliance type (YES in Step S109), the control unit101 generates a provision confirmation screen for use in asking the userwhether home appliance history information is to be provided to theservice provider server associated with the newly registered serviceprovider ID (Step S110). The control unit 101 asks the user whether homeappliance history information is to be provided to the service provider,using the provision confirmation screen.

Subsequently, the communication unit 105 transmits the provisionconfirmation screen generated by the control unit 101 to the userterminal 400 (Step S111). The communication unit 406 of the userterminal 400 receives the provision confirmation screen transmitted bythe manufacturer server 100. Alternatively, the provision confirmationscreen transmission method may be notified by an electronic mail, or maybe notified when the application of the information providing system isactivated on the user terminal 400.

Subsequently, the display unit 405 of the user terminal 400 displays thereceived provision confirmation screen (Step S112).

Subsequently, the input unit 404 accepts user's input as to whether homeappliance history information is provided to the service provider server(Step S113).

Subsequently, the communication unit 406 transmits, to the manufacturerserver 100, an input result as to whether home appliance historyinformation input by the input unit 404 is provided to the serviceprovider server (Step S114). The communication unit 105 of themanufacturer server 100 receives the input result transmitted by theuser terminal 400.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a provision confirmationscreen for use in asking the user whether home appliance historyinformation of an already registered home appliance 300 is to beprovided to a newly registered service provider server. On the provisionconfirmation screen illustrated in FIG. 21, the user who registers abody composition meter and a blood pressure meter in the informationproviding system 10 is asked whether home appliance history informationis to be provided.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the control unit 101 generates a provisionconfirmation screen including a newly registered service provider, ahome appliance which is already registered, and whose home appliancehistory information is providable to the newly registered serviceprovider, home appliance history information to be provided from thehome appliance to the service provider, and checkboxes with which theuser is allowed to select whether home appliance history information isto be provided. The control unit 101 displays the generated provisionconfirmation screen on the user terminal 400. The user is allowed toselect whether home appliance history information is to be provided withrespect to each of the home appliances, and to input the selectionresult through the input unit 404. The input result is transmitted fromthe user terminal 400 to the manufacturer server 100.

Subsequently, the control unit 101 of the manufacturer server 100registers the user ID of the user who does not provide home appliancehistory information in the access control list on the basis of an inputresult as to whether home appliance history information selected by theuser is provided to a service provider (Step S115). When home appliancehistory information is not provided to a service provider, the controlunit 101 registers the user ID in the access control list. On the otherhand, when home appliance history information is provided to a serviceprovider, the control unit 101 does not register the user ID in theaccess control list. As described above, the control unit 101 candiscriminate whether user's home appliance history information is to beprovided by managing the user ID of the user who does not provide homeappliance history information by the access control list.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of an access control list,in which setting as to whether home appliance history information isprovided with respect to a newly registered server provider ID is made.The access control list illustrated in FIG. 22 is an example, in whichthe user whose user ID is “ID 14” has selected that home appliancehistory information of both of a body composition meter and a bloodpressure meter is not provided to the newly registered service i.e. theinsurance service C. In this case, in the access control list, “ID14” isregistered as the unprovidable user ID associated with the bodycomposition meter and with the blood pressure meter having the newlyregistered service provider ID “SID_c”.

1.6 Modifications of Provision Confirmation Screen

Next, modifications of the provision confirmation screen in theembodiment are described.

1.6.1 First Modification of Provision Confirmation Screen

The control unit 101 may generate a provision confirmation screen onwhich one user is allowed set whether log information of a new homeappliance is transmitted to the computer of an extracted serviceprovider with respect to each of the types of log information.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the provisionconfirmation screen. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the provisionconfirmation screen may not accept setting as to whether home appliancehistory information is provided with respect to each of the homeappliances, but may accept setting as to whether home appliance historyinformation is provided with respect to each of the types of homeappliance history information.

For instance, when a newly installed home appliance is a bodycomposition meter, it is possible to set whether each of the measurementdate, the body weight, and the body fat percentage is to be provided tothe service provider of the fitness service A. Further, it is alsopossible to set whether each of the measurement date, the body weight,and the body fat percentage is to be provided to the service provider ofthe diet service B.

In this way, it is possible to set whether log information is to betransmitted to the computer of a service provider with respect to eachof the types of log information. This is advantageous in finely settingwhether log information is to be provided to a service provider.

1.6.2 Second Modification of Provision Confirmation Screen

The provision confirmation screen may include information indicating thenumber of users who permit transmitting log information of the same homeappliance as the new home appliance to the computer of the same serviceprovider as the extracted service provider.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a second modification of the provisionconfirmation screen. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the provisionconfirmation screen may include the number of the other users whoprovide home appliance history information to a service provider.

In the aforementioned case, the control unit 101 counts the number ofuser IDs which are associated with the same home appliance type as thetype of the newly registered home appliance, referring to the historyinformation DB 102, and counts the number of unprovidable user IDshaving a home appliance associated with the service provider ID of thesame service provider as the extracted service provider, referring tothe access control list. Then, the control unit 101 calculates thenumber of the other users who provide home appliance history informationto the service provider by subtracting the number of unprovidable userIDs from the number of user IDs associated with the same home appliancetype as the type of the newly registered home appliance.

The control unit 101 adds the calculated number of the other users whoprovide home appliance history information to the service provider onthe provision confirmation screen.

In this way, it is possible to display information indicating the numberof users who permit transmitting log information of the same homeappliance as a new home appliance to the computer of the same serviceprovider as the extracted service provider. This allows for the user todetermine whether the user permits transmitting log information bychecking the number of the other users who permit transmitting loginformation. Further, the user can use the number of the other users whopermit transmitting log information, as information in determiningwhether the user permits transmitting log information.

1.6.3 Third Modification of Provision Confirmation Screen

The provision confirmation screen may include a setting screen on whichone user is allowed to set a time period during which log information ofa new home appliance is transmitted to the computer of an extractedservice provider.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a third modification of the provisionconfirmation screen. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the provisionconfirmation screen includes a time period during which home appliancehistory information is provided to a service provider. Specifically, theuser is allowed to set not only whether home appliance historyinformation is to be provided to a service provider but also a timeperiod during which home appliance history information is provided to aservice provider.

For instance, on the provision confirmation screen illustrated in FIG.25, when home appliance history information is provided to the fitnessservice A, setting as to the time period during which home appliancehistory information is provided is accepted. Then, the user inputs anintended time period during which home appliance history information isprovided.

The control unit 101 may transmit, to the user terminal 400, a provisionconfirmation screen upon lapse of a time period, which is set by theuser and during which home appliance history information is provided tothe service provider.

In this way, it is possible to set a time period during which loginformation is provided to a service provider. This makes it possible toprovide log information to a service provider during a time periodintended by the user.

1.6.4 Fourth Modification of Provision Confirmation Screen

When the number of users who permit transmitting log information to thecomputer of a specific one of one or more service providers has reacheda predetermined number among one or more users, the control unit 101 mayprovide, to the user terminal 400 (display terminal) of a non-permittinguser, a provision confirmation screen on which the non-permitting userwho does not permit transmitting log information of a home appliance tothe computer of the specific service provider is allowed to set whetherlog information of the home appliance is transmitted to the computer ofthe specific service provider, among the one or more users.

Further, the provision confirmation screen may include informationindicating that the number of users who permit transmitting loginformation to the computer of a specific service provider has reached apredetermined number.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a fourth modification of the provisionconfirmation screen. As illustrated in FIG. 26, the provisionconfirmation screen may include the number of users who provide homeappliance history information to a service provider.

For instance, when the number of users who provide home appliancehistory information to a predetermined service provider has reached apredetermined number (e.g. one thousand), the control unit 101 extractsthe user ID determined as an unprovidable user ID with respect to thehome appliance type associated with the predetermined service provider,referring to the access control list. Then, the control unit 101provides a provision confirmation screen to the user terminal 400 of thenon-permitting user identified by the extracted user ID. When theaforementioned operation is performed, the number of users who permittransmitting log information to the predetermined service provider isdisplayed on the provision confirmation screen.

In this way, it is possible to provide a provision confirmation screento the user terminal 400 of a non-permitting user who does not permittransmitting log information of a home appliance to the computer of aspecific service provider when the number of users who permittransmitting log information to the computer of the specific serviceprovider has reached a predetermined number. This is advantageous inprompting the user to transmit log information.

Further, the user is allowed to determine whether the user permitstransmitting log information by checking the information indicating thatthe number of users who permit transmitting log information to thecomputer of a specific service provider has reached a predeterminednumber.

1.7 Advantageous Effects of Embodiment

The device manufacturer safely and integrally manages various types ofuser information including history information relating to use of homeappliances by the users, and only the permitted information is providedto each of the service providers on the basis of an access control list.The access control list is a list to be managed whether the userprovides home appliance history information of a home appliance withrespect to each of the service providers. The service provider servercan acquire home appliance history information permitted to the serviceprovider server by transmitting a certificate issued by the manufacturerserver.

In the aforementioned aspect, when a new home appliance is added to theinformation providing system, the service provider which intends toacquire log information of the new home appliance is automaticallyextracted. Then, a display screen, on which the user is allowed to setwhether log information of the new home appliance is to be provided tothe computer of the extracted service provider, is provided to thedisplay terminal of the user.

According to the aforementioned configuration, each time a new homeappliance is added, the user is allowed to set the service provider towhich log information of the new home appliance is provided. This makesit possible to prevent providing log information of a new home applianceto a service provider which is not expected to the user, without relyingon the user's judgment. Further, each time a new home appliance isadded, a service provider associated with the new home appliance isselected. This makes it possible to reduce the user's burden in setting.Further, each time a new home appliance is added, the user is asked tojudge whether log information is to be provided. This makes it possibleto prevent a case in which it is impossible to discriminate between homeappliances registered whether log information is to be provided and homeappliances unregistered whether log information is to be provided due toan increase in the number of registered home appliances, and in whichsetting as to whether providing log information is erroneouslyregistered.

Further, in the aforementioned aspect, when a computer of a new serviceprovider is added to the information providing system, a display screen,on which the user is allowed to set whether log information is to beprovided to the new service provider with respect to a home appliance ofwhich acquisition of log information is intended by the new serviceprovider, is provided to the display terminal of the user.

According to the aforementioned configuration, each time a new serviceprovider is added, the user is allowed to set whether log information ofa home appliance is to be provided to the new service provider. Thismakes it possible to prevent providing log information of a homeappliance to a new service provider which is not expected to the user,without relying on the user's judgment. Further, each time a new serviceprovider is added, a home appliance associated with the new serviceprovider is selected. This makes it possible to reduce the user's burdenin setting. Further, each time a new service provider is added, the useris allowed to judge whether log information is to be provided. Thismakes it possible to prevent a case in which it is impossible todiscriminate between home appliances registered whether log informationis to be provided and home appliances unregistered whether loginformation is to be provided due to an increase in the number ofregistered home appliances, and in which setting as to whether providinglog information is erroneously registered.

2. Types of Cloud Services in the Embodiment of the Invention

The techniques described in the foregoing aspects can be implemented inthe following types of cloud services. However, the types of cloudservices in which the techniques described in the foregoing aspects canbe implemented are not limited to the above.

(Service Type 1: a Cloud Service Provided by a Datacenter of theApplicant's Company)

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be providedby an information providing system of service type 1 (a cloud serviceprovided by a datacenter of the applicant's company). In this type, aservice provider 1200 acquires information from a group 1000, andprovides services to the user. In this type, the service provider 1200has the functions of a datacenter operating company. Specifically, theservice provider 1200 owns a cloud server 1110 which manages big data.Therefore, actually, a datacenter operating company does not exist.

In this type, the service provider 1200 operates and manages adatacenter (cloud server) 2030. Further, the service provider 1200manages an operating system (OS) 2020 and an application 2010. Theservice provider 1200 provides services with use of the OS 2020 and theapplication 2010 to be managed by the service provider 1200 (see thearrow 2040).

(Service Type 2: a Cloud Service Utilizing IaaS)

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be providedby an information providing system of service type 2 (a cloud serviceutilizing IaaS). IaaS stands for Infrastructure as a Service. IaaS is acloud service providing model configured to provide a foundation, basedon which a computer system is configured and operated, as services viathe Internet.

In this type, a datacenter operating company 1100 operates and manages adatacenter (cloud server) 2030. Further, a service provider 1200 managesan OS 2020 and an application 2010. The service provider 1200 providesservices with use of the OS 2020 and the application 2010 to be managedby the service provider 1200 (see the arrow 2040).

(Service Type 3: a Cloud Service Utilizing PaaS)

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be providedby an information providing system of service type 3 (a cloud serviceutilizing PaaS). PaaS stands for Platform as a Service. PaaS is a cloudservice providing model configured to provide a platform, based on whicha software is configured and operated as services via the Internet.

In this type, a datacenter operating company 1100 manages an OS 2020,and operates and manages a datacenter (cloud server) 2030. Further, aservice provider 1200 manages an application 2010. The service provider1200 provides services with use of the OS 2020 to be managed by thedatacenter operating company 1100 and the application 2010 to be managedby the service provider 1200 (see the arrow 2040).

(Service Type 4: a Cloud Service Utilizing SaaS)

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be providedby an information providing system of service type 4 (a cloud serviceutilizing SaaS). SaaS stands for Software as a Service. A cloud serviceutilizing SaaS is e.g. a cloud service providing model having functions,with which the user such as a company or a person who does not own adatacenter (a cloud server) is allowed to use an application provided bya platform provider who owns the datacenter (a cloud server) via anetwork such as the Internet.

In this type, a datacenter operating company 1100 manages an application2010, manages an OS 2020, and operates and manages a datacenter (a cloudserver) 2030. Further, a service provider 1200 provides services, withuse of the OS 2020 and the application 2010 to be managed by thedatacenter operating company 1100 (see the arrow 2040).

As described above, in any of the cloud service types, the serviceprovider 1200 provides services. Further, for instance, a serviceprovider or a datacenter operating company may develop an OS, anapplication, or a database for big data by themselves, or may outsourcethe development to a third party.

3. Modifications

The invention has been described on the basis of the embodiment. It isneedless to say that the invention is not limited by the embodiment. Thefollowing modifications are included in the invention.

(1) In the embodiment, the manufacturer server of the devicemanufacturer may collect not only home appliance history information ofhome appliances manufactured by the device manufacturer but also homeappliance history infatuation of home appliances manufactured by devicemanufacturers other than the device manufacturer.

(2) In the embodiment, the home appliances 300 directly upload homeappliance history information to the manufacturer server 100.Alternatively, home appliance information may be updated via the userterminal 400. In this case, a network between the home appliances 300and the user terminal 400 may be a local communication channel, or maybe a proximity communication channel such as NFC (Near FieldCommunication).

(3) In the embodiment, the home appliance ID is the name of a homeappliance. Alternatively, the home appliance ID may be the serial numberor the model number of a home appliance. Further alternatively, the homeappliance ID may be a combination of the name, the serial number, andthe model number of a home appliance.

(4) In the embodiment, the control unit asks the user whether homeappliance history information is to be provided. Alternatively, thecontrol unit may ask the user whether home appliance history informationis to be provided by adding personal information of the user.

(5) In the embodiment, the user ID of the user who does not permitproviding home appliance history information is managed. Alternatively,the user ID of the user who permits providing home appliance historyinformation may be managed.

(6) In the embodiment, the manufacturer server issues a home appliancehistory access certificate. The invention is not limited to the above.Alternatively, a certificate issuing center (not illustrated) may issuea home appliance history access certificate. In this case, themanufacturer server requests the certificate issuing center to issue ahome appliance history access certificate, and the home appliancehistory access certificate issued by the certificate issuing center maybe transmitted to the service provider server.

(7) In the embodiment, the access control list sets whether homeappliance history information is to be provided with respect to each ofthe home appliances. The invention is not limited to the above. Forinstance, the access control list may be configured such that homeappliance history information is provided with respect to each of thetypes of home appliance history information to be obtained from the homeappliances. For instance, when the home appliance is a body compositionmeter, it is possible to set such that information about the body weightcan be provided but information about the body fat percentage cannot beprovided among a plurality of types of home appliance historyinformation.

(8) Each of the aforementioned devices is, for instance, a computersystem constituted by a microprocessor, an ROM (Read Only Memory), anRAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk unit, a display unit, akeyboard, and a mouse. The RAM or the hard disk unit stores a computerprogram. The functions of each of the devices are accomplished bycausing a microprocessor to operate in accordance with a computerprogram. The computer program is configured by combining a plurality ofinstruction codes indicating commands to a computer in order toaccomplish a predetermined function.

(9) A part or all of the constituent elements constituting each of thedevices may be configured by one system LSI (Large Scale Integration).The system LSI is an ultra-multi-functional LSI fabricated byintegrating a plurality of components on one chip. Specifically, asystem LSI is a computer system constituted by a microprocessor, an ROM,and an RAM. The RAM stores a computer program thereon. The functions ofthe system LSI are accomplished by causing a microprocessor to operatein accordance with a computer program.

Further, each of the constituent elements constituting each of thedevices may be individually configured into a one-chip device, or a partor all of the constituent elements may be configured into a one-chipdevice.

Further, in this example, the integrated circuit is a system LSI. Theintegrated circuit may also be called as an IC (Integrated Circuit), anLSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI depending on the degree of integrationof the circuit. Further, the circuit integration method is not limitedto an LSI method. The integrated circuit may be implemented by adedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Further, an FPGA(Field Programmable Gate Array) capable of programming after fabricatingan LSI, or a reconfigurable processor capable of reconfiguringconnection or setting of circuit cells within an LSI after fabricatingthe LSI may also be used.

Further, if an integration circuit technology substantially equivalentto the LSI technology is developed in the future by the progress of asemiconductor technology or by another technology derived from thesemiconductor technology, it is needless to say that the functionalblocks are integrated by using the technology. An example of theintegrated circuit technology as a substitute of the LSI technology maybe application of a bio-technology.

(10) A part or all of the constituent elements constituting each of theaforementioned devices may be constituted by an IC card detachablymounted on each of the devices, or by a single module. The IC card orthe module is a computer system constituted by a microprocessor, an ROM,and an RAM. The IC card or the module may include the aforementionedultra-multi-functional LSI. The functions of the IC card or the moduleare accomplished by causing a microprocessor to operate in accordancewith a computer program. The IC card or the module may have a tamperingresistance.

(11) The invention may be directed to the aforementioned methods.Further, the invention may be directed to a computer program thatimplements one of these methods on a computer, or may be directed todigital signals constituted by a computer program.

Further, the invention may be directed to a computer-readable recordingmedium recorded with the computer program or the digital signals such asa flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, aDVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), or a semiconductormemory. Further, the invention may be directed to the digital signalsrecorded on one of these recording media.

Further, the invention may be directed to a configuration, in which thecomputer program or the digital signals are transmitted via atelecommunication line, a wireless communication line, a wiredcommunication line, a network as represented by the Internet, or databroadcasting.

Further, the invention may be directed to a computer system providedwith a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores theaforementioned computer program, and the microprocessor is operated inaccordance with the computer program.

Further, the invention may be implemented by another independentcomputer system by recording the computer program or the digital signalson the recording medium for transferring, or by transferring thecomputer program or the digital signals via the network or the like.

(12) The invention may be combination of the embodiment and any one ofthe modifications.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The information provision method of the invention is capable ofpreventing providing log information of a new home appliance to aservice provider which is not expected to the user, and accordingly, isuseful as an information provision method for use in an informationproviding system configured to collect log information from one or morehome appliances of one or more users via a first network, and totransmit the log information to a computer of one or more serviceproviders via a second network.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An information provision method for use inan information providing server, the information provision methodcomprising: accumulating, in a first database, a first identifieridentifying each of one or more service providers, and first deviceinformation indicating an electrical device to be designated by each ofthe one or more service providers in association with each other;accumulating, in a second database, a second identifier identifying eachof one or more users, and second device information indicating anelectrical device to be used by the one or more users in associationwith each other; extracting the service provider associated with thefirst device information when the second device information is updatedby addition of a new electrical device to be used by one user from amongthe one or more users, and when the new electrical device is included inthe electrical devices indicated by the first device information;generating first screen information indicating a setting screen, onwhich the one user is allowed to set whether operation historyinformation of the new electrical device is transmitted to a computer ofthe extracted service provider, the setting screen including (i) theextracted service provider, (ii) the new electrical device, (iii) theoperation history information provided from the new electrical device tothe service provider, and (iv) an input field to accept an input by theone user as to whether or not the new electrical device provides theoperation history information to the extracted service provider;transmitting the generated first screen information to a displayterminal of the one user; receiving, from the display terminal, an inputresult about the input by the one user as to whether or not the newelectrical device provides the operation history information to theextracted service provider; registering, in the first database,information indicating whether or not the new electrical device providesthe operation history information to the extracted service provider byassociating the first identifier of the extracted service provider withthe first device information of the new electrical device on the basison the received input result; collecting one or more pieces of operationhistory information from one or more electrical devices of the one uservia a first network; and referring to the first database, andtransmitting, among the collected one or more pieces of operationhistory information, operation history information permitted by the oneuser to be transmitted to a computer of the one or more serviceproviders to the computer of the one or more service providers via asecond network.
 2. The information provision method according to claim1, wherein it is judged whether a same electrical device as the newelectrical device included in the updated second device information isincluded in the electrical devices indicated by the first deviceinformation, and when it is judged that the same electrical device asthe new electrical device is included in the electrical devicesindicated by the first device information, the service providerassociated with the first device information is extracted.
 3. Theinformation provision method according to claim 1, wherein when thefirst database is updated by addition of a new service provider, andwhen an electrical device to be designated by the new service provideris included in the electrical devices indicated by the second deviceinformation, a user associated with the second device information isextracted from the one or more users, and second screen informationindicating a setting screen, on which the associated user is allowed toset whether operation history information of the electrical device to bedesignated by the new service provider is transmitted to a computer ofthe new service provider, is provided to a display terminal of theassociated user.
 4. The information provision method according to claim1, wherein the first screen information includes information indicatingthe number of users who permit transmitting operation historyinformation of a same electrical device as the new electrical device tothe computer of the same service provider as the extracted serviceprovider.
 5. The information provision method according to claim 1,wherein when a number of users who permit transmitting the operationhistory information to a computer of a specific one of the one or moreservice providers has reached a predetermined number among the one ormore users, third screen information indicating a setting screen, onwhich a non-permitting user who does not permit transmitting theoperation history information of the electrical device to the computerof the specific service provider among the one or more users is allowedto set whether the operation history information of the electricaldevice is transmitted to the computer of the specific service provider,is provided to a display terminal of the non-permitting user.
 6. Theinformation provision method according to claim 5, wherein the thirdscreen information includes information indicating that the number ofusers who permit transmitting the operation history information to thecomputer of the specific service provider has reached the predeterminednumber.
 7. The information provision method according to claim 1,wherein the first screen information indicates a setting screen, onwhich the one user is allowed to set whether operation historyinformation of the new electrical device is transmitted to the computerof the extracted service provider with respect to each of types of theoperation history information.
 8. The information provision methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the first screen information includes asetting screen, on which the one user is allowed to set a time periodduring which the operation history information of the new electricaldevice is transmitted to the computer of the extracted service provider.9. An information provision method for use in an information providingserver, the information provision method comprising: accumulating, in afirst database, a first identifier identifying each of one or moreservice providers, and first device information indicating an electricaldevice to be designated by each of the one or more service providers inassociation with each other; accumulating, in a second database, asecond identifier identifying each of one or more users, and seconddevice information indicating an electrical device to be used by the oneor more users in association with each other; extracting a userassociated with the second device information from the one or more userswhen the first database is updated by addition of a new serviceprovider, and when an electrical device to be designated by the newservice provider is included in the electrical devices indicated by thesecond device information; and generating first screen informationindicating a setting screen, on which the associated user is allowed toset whether operation history information of the electrical device to bedesignated by the new service provider is transmitted to a computer ofthe new service provider, the setting screen including (i) the newservice provider, (ii) the electrical device to be designated by the newservice provider, (iii) the operation history information provided fromthe electrical device to the new service provider, and (iv) an inputfield to accept an input by the associated user as to whether or not theelectrical device provides the operation history information to the newservice provider; transmitting the generated first screen information toa display terminal of the associated user; receiving, from the displayterminal, an input result about the input by the associated user as towhether or not the electrical device provides the operation historyinformation to the new service provider; registering, in the firstdatabase, information indicating whether or not the electrical deviceprovides the operation history information to the new service providerby associating the first identifier of the new service provider with thefirst device information of the electrical device to be designated bythe new service provider on the basis on the received input result;collecting one or more pieces of operation history information from oneor more electrical devices of the associated user via a first network;and referring to the first database, and transmitting, among thecollected one or more pieces of operation history information, operationhistory information permitted by the associated user to be transmittedto a computer of the one or more service providers to the computer ofthe one or more service providers via a second network.